As the undefeated Iowa City West Trojans lined up on the 40-yard line, waiting to be officially announced as a Class 4A semifinalist after handling No. 5 Cedar Falls, 27-9, Friday night, one voice stood about above the commotion of celebration:

"We’re going home! We’re going home!" the Trojan shouted.

Even a normally stoic head coach Garrett Hartwig was giddy, beaming a goofy grin when he was asked how it felt to be 11-0 entering the semifinals.

"Great," he said simply.

Yes, for the second straight year, West is headed to the UNI-Dome — or "Trojan Field North," as the team likes to call it. The Trojans entered halftime leading the Tigers, 10-3, before taking command in a decisive second half.

"Season’s a process, and you want to play your best football now," Hartwig said. "And that’s what we’re doing."

This game took its final swing in top-ranked West’s favor in the fourth quarter, when Dillon Doyle and Landon Green forced a fumble, and Caden Fedeler recovered in Cedar Falls’ territory. It only led the Tigers 13-9 at the time, but Evan Flitz notched a 10-yard touchdown run a couple minutes later. After the defense forced a turnover on downs, Cole Mabry capped the scoring with a 3-yard direct-snap touchdown with just under three minutes left.

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West High's Caden Fedeler recovers a fumble during the Trojans' game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. (Photo: David Scrivner/Iowa City Press-Citizen)

Until that point, the Trojans bent but didn't break against running back Sam Gary, who nearly eclipsed 200 yards. They forced two field goal attempts, a turnover and one touchdown in the Tigers' four drives deep into West's territory.

"Defense wins games," Hartwig said. "A lot of people talk about our offense, and rightfully so, but defense wins in this climate, this time of year, this atmosphere."

Before walking over to bear hug Flitz, Hartwig was asked if his undefeated Trojans were the 4A favorites.

"No, no. Everyone’s the favorite," he answered. "We’ve just got to take care of business."

The Trojans will play No. 6 Bettendorf (10-1) in the 4A semifinals in the UNI-Dome next Friday at 4:05 p.m. The Bulldogs edged out a 31-21 win against No. 9 North Scott on Friday night.

It feels like West and Bettendorf meet in the playoffs just about every year, doesn't it?

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West High quarterback Evan Flitz runs down field during the Trojans' game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. (Photo: David Scrivner/Iowa City Press-Citizen)

Spartans roll to the Dome

What more can we say about the Solon Spartans?

They hosted arguably the state playoffs’ best wild-card team in Decorah and trounced it, 37-2, last week.

This Friday, they hosted a West Delaware team loaded with talent throughout its roster … and they trounced them, too, 54-14. If you’re keeping track at home, that means No. 1 Solon has outscored its postseason competition 91-16.

Regina Catholic senior Jacob Phillips (21) celebrates after picking off a pass against Wilton at Iowa City Regina High School on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, in Iowa City.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)

Matthew Bain covers college football and basketball recruiting for the Des Moines Register. He also helps out with Iowa and Iowa State football and basketball coverage for HawkCentral and Cyclone Insider. Contact him at mbain@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @MatthewBain_.